Value of Ecosystem Services to Cultural Practices in Festival Celebration in Rural Communities of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Cultural ecosystem services are the non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. Recreational experiences, religious values, educational opportunities, cultural heritage, and traditional practices and knowledge associated with natural environments, such as indigenous ways of managing land and resources. These services enhance the quality of life of rural people and contribute to the well-being and rural livelihood. In Northern Ghana, communities along the White Volta River basin celebrate traditional festivals and the rich cultural heritage with ecosystem services of the rich and luxuriant vegetation. There is little documentation linking the livelihoods of the people, the role that ecosystem services play in their livelihood practices and their festival celebrations. Understanding of the links are important for a comprehensive appreciation of conservation related behaviours of the people. The objective of the study therefore was to document how the rural people rely on the ecosystem services found in White Volta River basin for their livelihoods and in the celebrations of their festival. Customary laws, traditional social structures, and authorities regulate the use of ecosystem services at the rural local level with chiefs, sub-chiefs community members ensuring sustainable use of resources in the ecosystem under their jurisdiction. Focus Group Discussions were undertaken with a checklist on the thematic areas. Key informant interviews were conducted and qualitative data collected. Type of provisioning ecosystem services were noted. Common activities found across all the festivals were identified as prayers to the gods and ancestors for good harvests and blessings. Rituals performances at sacred sites, and maintenance of social cohesion and the transmission of cultural values. Cultural ecosystem services are often underrepresented in policy and governance frameworks, which tend to prioritize provisioning or regulating services that are easier to quantify. Cultural practices tied to ecosystems may not be adequately considered in land use planning, resource management, or conservation efforts.